Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking 2025

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This is a gear review about the Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking 2025.

Lightweight Sleeping Pads have been improved and updated in 2025. Many of the top brands have improved the comfort, weight, durability, warmth, and small pack size of the sleeping mats. The quality of the ultralight sleeping pads in this review is a huge leap forward from only a couple of years ago.

Keep reading to find out which one is right for you.

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How We Tested

All the Ultralight Sleeping Pads in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has more than 30 years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Lightweight Sleeping Mats were purchased by the author, and some were supplied by the manufacturer. They have been rigorously tested by the author on multiple backpacking trips. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the Best Sleeping Pads for 2025. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Lightweight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking 2025

The Best Lightweight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking 2025 are:

• Best Sleeping Pad Overall: Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT
• Best Ultralight Sleeping: Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad
• Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
• Best Winter Sleeping Mat: Thermarest Neoair X-Therm NXT
• Best Budget Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Z Lite Sol
• Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light
• Sea to Summit Ether Light XT

The recently updated Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is new and sure to be as popular as the previous model.

When I used and tested the new Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT, I noticed it was much quieter than previous models. Gone is the crinkle sound every time you roll over at night that plagued the older models. Yes, there is some sound as it is not completely silent but it is much more manageable. As a result of these improvements, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is worthy of the top spot as the best sleeping pad for 2025.

Therm-a-Rest increased the insulation rating a little from an R-value of 4.2 to 4.5. While this is not significant, it is enough for many people to use this pad for winter camping instead of the much better-insulated X-Therm NXT. This makes this sleeping mat much more versatile.

The mat is 3 inches / 7.6 cm thick which is also a slight increase but the extra half inch but when I tested the mat I found that it was not really that noticeable. Having said that, this sleeping mat is very comfortable. Certainly suitable for even the fussiest of side sleepers.

It comes in 4 sizes, namely short, regular, regular wide, and large. I think the regular will be the most popular size and it is the one that I would recommend.

Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is the best sleeping pad for backpacking 2025.

When the ultralight Therm-a-Rest Uberlite was removed from the market the only truly ultralight air mattress disappeared, until now. The new Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad is the newest ultralight sleeping pad. But is it strong enough and will it suffer durability issues like the Uberlite?

With a weight of only 8.5 oz / 240 grams, it is certainly an ultralight air pad. Add to that the 3-inch thickness, and quiet material, and you have a lot to like about it. Side sleepers and hikers wanting a comfortable sleeping pad will like this option.

With a 2.4 R-rating, it is a good 3-season option but will not be suitable for temperatures below freezing. For that, there are better 3-season sleeping pads.

Will the Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad succeed where others have failed? Will the ultra-thin 10 Denier material have enough puncture resistance to be a viable option in the long term? For now, if you choose your campsite carefully and ensure it is free of thorns, spikes, or any material that could cause a puncture then you will be fine. It is the same thing I was doing with the Therm-a-Rest Uberlite, and I never had any issues.

Overall, the Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad is the best ultralight sleeping pad on the market in 2025. Nothing comes close to the ultra-lightweight and comfort in such a small size. Ultralight thru-hikers, this is your option for your next thru-hike. Detailed in-depth review coming soon.

Nemo has a large selection of lightweight sleeping pads for camping. The newly updated Nemo Tensor Trail Insulated Sleeping Pad is arguably their best backpacking sleeping pad.

I have spent more than 500 nights using and testing the Tensor range of sleeping pads over the years on trails such as the Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Bike Touring North and South America.

During all those nights of testing, I found the Nemo Tensor Insulated to be one of the most comfortable air pads of all the mattresses in this review. A combination of its thickness and the fact that it is quiet. Making it perfect for the side sleeper.  

The only other lightweight sleeping pad in this review that is equal to the Nemo Tensor for comfort is the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated which is also quiet but slightly thicker.

At 13oz / 370 grams, the updated Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Pad is around an ounce lighter than its predecessor. And like the older model, it is still super quiet when rolling over.

At 3.5 inches / 9 cm, it is thicker than previous models and makes this one of the best sleeping pads for side sleepers. This is a very comfortable sleeping pad. If you have found inflatable sleeping pads uncomfortable in the past, give this one a go. You will be impressed.

With so many good things to say about this mat, there are unfortunately some limiting factors that prevented it from taking the top spot in this review. The R-rating has been reduced to 2.5R. Effectively this sleeping pad is rated to temperatures around 28F / -2C making it a summer and shoulder season sleeping pad.

When the temperature gets cold, take a look at their extreme cold weather versions. The Tensor All Season is rated at 5.4 R, and the Tensor Extreme is rated at 8.5 R. To understand more about R Ratings, keep reading as I have written a detailed section further below including an R Rating Chart.

Overall, the Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is one of the best backpacking sleeping pads for 2025.

The Sea to Summit Etherlite Insulted is the best-insulated sleeping pad for side sleepers. If you are a side sleeper like me and dislike when thin mattresses crush your hip and shoulder into the ground then this is for you.

Like the non-insulated summer version of the Etherlite, this sleeping mat is quiet when you roll over in the middle of the night. Add to that the super comfortable feel and good insulation and you have a great pad for not only summer hiking trips but backpacking trips in the cooler months.

It has a good system for inflating the pad which uses the stuff sack to inflate the mat. My only wish is that this mat was a little lighter. But when you want comfort, look no further, this is the best.

Overall, if you are a slide sleeper and want a sleeping pad for cooler temperatures then this is for you. It is also one of the most comfortable mats in this review.

The same great quality as all the other Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads but with more insulation to help with those cold sleepers who need all the help they can get to stay warm.

The newly upgraded version managed to shave 0.5 ounces of weight and now weights, 15.5oz / 439 grams. This upgraded model of the Therm A Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is one of the best winter sleeping pads for cold temperatures.

The Therm A Rest NeoAir X-Therm is very lightweight, super comfortable, and reasonably priced.

This is a great option for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors during the colder parts of the year.

With an R-value of 7.3, it is now rated to temperatures as low as -32F / -36C. It would be perfect for high-altitude hikes or bicycle tours in the Andes or Himalayas or for the cold sleeper who wants a bit more insulation.

Overall, the Therm A Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the Best Winter Sleeping Pad for 2025.

At around $35, the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol is one of the best closed-cell foam pads for the budget-conscious person.

The lightweight Z-Lite Sol closed-cell foam pad weighs only 14oz / 410g and is the best foam sleeping pad on the market.

It provides enough comfort for most tired people. But if you are a side sleeper, this sleeping pad will not be the most comfortable.

This closed cell foam pad is also a favorite with the speedy hikers who love to throw down the mattress and sleep anywhere, anytime, ‘Hikertrash‘ style!

Unlike the other sleeping pads for backpacking in this review, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite will not get punctured and deflate at the worst moment.

A great option for cactus-filled deserts.

The foam sleeping pad also provides great insulation making it a great sleeping pad for backpacking in snow.

This is one of the best closed-cell foam sleeping pads on the market at the moment with a great budget price and overall it is still a nice light sleeping pad.

The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is highly rated sleeping pad that is only slightly heavier than the other model listed above.

With an R-Rating of 5.4 the Nemo Tensor All-Season version gives the ability to sleep in temperatures down to around -4F / -20C. The extra ounce or so of weight may be worth it for some people who only want one sleeping pad to cover both summer and winter backpacking trips.

It has all the comfort and quietness of all the Tensor models and it is a great option for a sleeping pad for all seasons.

Overall, the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a worthy winter sleeping pad and summer sleeping pad that is super comfortable and lightweight.

The Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is the sleeping pad you want of you are going to the Arctic or high-altitude mountaineering. With an R-rating of 8.5 it will keep you insulated in temperatures down to around -40F / -40C. Making this the warmest lightest weight sleeping pad on the market.

At only 1lb 1 oz / 482 grams, Nemo has managed to cram in a lot of insulation without increasing the weight. This niche product will not be for everyone, but if you are heading into extremely cold weather then this is the winter sleeping mat for you.

Overall, the Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is the best extreme cold sleeping pad for 2025.

The Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pad is another good-value mattress for spending time in the backcountry.

At 13.9 oz / 395 grams the Sea to Summit Ultralight is lightweight with limited insulation for summer hiking in warm temperatures to around 50F/10C.

When it gets cold the Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated is a better option.

The air pad comes with a stuff sack that can be used to inflate the mattress. Great for preventing stinky breath from contaminating the inside of the pads.

The Sea to Summit Ether light XT has recently been updated to be a little more insulated but still keeping the super comfortable thickness and ultra-lightweight.

At a generous 4 inches/10cm thick this is the thickest mattress in this review and the most comfortable.

This is the best ultralight sleeping pad for side sleepers. The thickness and air-sprung cells make it super comfortable for even the fussiest of side sleepers.

It is also made of materials that make it very quiet when tossing and turning during the night.

It is ultra-lightweight at 13.8 oz / 390 grams but should only be used in warmer weather due to the 1.2 R-value. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated version is slightly heavier at 17.3 oz / 490 grams but for slide sleepers, it is a better option.

Such a thick mattress comes at the cost of needing many breaths to inflate it but Sea to Summit has solved this problem by adapting the Stuff Sack so it can be used to inflate the mattress. 

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Other Mats to Consider

• Nemo Switchback: The Nemo Switchback is a lightweight foam mat that is also very good and reasonably priced.
• Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus: The Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus is a self-inflating mat. I used this mat for years and years, in fact, I started hiking the Pacific Crest Trail carrying this mat before opting for something lighter and more comfortable.
• REI Co-Op Helix Insulated: The REI Co-Op Helix Insulated is a good budget priced, 3-season pad. But it is a bit on the heavy side compared with all the other models in this review.

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Sleeping Pad Comparison Table

Brand	Weight	Thickness	R-Value	Type
Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT	13 oz	3 in.	4.5	Inflatable
Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad	8.5 oz	3 in.	2.4	Inflatable
Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight	13 oz	3.5 in.	2.8	Inflatable
Sea to Summit Ether Lite XT Insulated	17.3 oz	4 in.	3.2	Inflatable
Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Therm NXT	15.5 oz	3 in.	7.3	Inflatable
Z Lite Sol	14 oz	0.75 in.	2	Foam
Nemo Tensor All-Season	14.1 oz	3.5 in.	5.4	Inflatable
Nemo Tensor Extreme	1lb 1.1 oz	3.5 in.	8.5	Inflatable
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT	13.8 oz	4 in.	1.5	Inflatable
Sea to Summit Ultralight	13.9 oz	2 in.	1.1	Inflatable

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Types of Sleeping Pads

Inflatable Sleeping Pads

The Inflatable air pad has come a long way from the crude rubber mattresses with built-in pillows. Also, gone are the days of self-inflating mattresses. I once used to own a Therm-A-Rest Prolite self-inflating mattress but those days are long gone. Things have improved a lot with the inflatable sleeping pad since then.

Ultralight, high-tech materials, and lifetime warranties make them the best option for sleeping away from home.

But the high cost and possibility of getting a hole can frustrate people at times.

Foam Sleeping Pads

Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pads have long been the favorite due to their budget price, great thermal qualities, and ease of use. Just roll out the foam pad and fall asleep.

But for anyone who is a side sleeper or needs a comfortable bed this option is painful and not conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Overall, the inflatable mattress and foam pads have good and bad points. But now is the era of the inflatable mattress. Advances in technology will only see things get better.

Will the best backpacking sleeping pads ever be puncture resistant!

Self Inflating Pads

The self-inflating pads were very popular many years ago but their popularity has decreased in recent years. Just open the valve, let the air in, give a few breaths to reach your desired pressure, and the mat is inflated. They are simple but heavy. The larger versions make a good car camping option or something to have at home when unexpected guests arrive. They also tend to have a good r-value rating for insulation.

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Side Sleeper vs Back Sleeper

I am a side sleeper. Just the thought of sleeping on a closed cell foam mattress brings pain to all parts of my body. Therefore, it is important to know how you sleep when choosing a mattress.

Side sleepers want a thick mattress. The thicker core on the air pads is more comfortable but it takes more breath to blow up. Many have stuff sacks that double as pump sacks to inflate the inflatable pads.

Back sleepers are usually able to withstand a thinner mattress a lot better. Therefore, any mattress in this review would work out well for them in the comfort stakes.

All the backpacking air pads except the Z Lite foam pad would be good for side sleepers.

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R-Value and Warmth

The Sleeping Pad R-Value, when used in the context of measuring Sleeping Mats, refers to the ability of the mattress to stop the transfer of heat or cold through the pad. In simple terms, it refers to warmth.

In cold weather, a high R-Value sleeping pad will serve to reduce the cold temperatures from snow or frozen ground transferring to the person sleeping on the pad.

This is important when camping in winter or the colder times of the year.

Below is an R-Value temperature chart. The R-Value Sleeping Pad prevents temperature transfer from the cold to the warmth of the body and sleeping bag. into Temperature.

The video below by Exped explains what the R-Value is and how it refers to sleeping mats in a detailed yet informative way.

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Weight

A lightweight sleeping mat should weigh less than 15 oz / 430 grams with the ultralight mats being even lighter. The thickness, width, shape, and amount of insulation all add to the overall weight. The thinner the fabric the lighter the mat but the less durable it will be. Every couple of years there is some form of innovation from the manufacturers resulting in a lighter weight.

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Sleeping Pad Packed Size

All these lightweight air mats are compact enough to be rolled up to the size of a 1 liter Nalgene bottle, with the exception of the Z Lite foam pad.

I rarely use a stuff sack. I just roll it up and stuff it in my backpack. When hiking and bicycle touring I roll the mattress up and pack it inside my sleeping bag but only when it is dry.

Many of the companies include a stuff sack that also has a valve to use as a way of inflating the mattress.

A good idea to prevent stinky, humid breath from entering the mattress, but is the extra weight worth it!

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Durability

Most of the mats in this review are quite robust but they will develop holes when camping in areas with thorns or other spikey plants capable of puncturing the mat. There is nothing worse than waking in the middle of the night with a flat mattress.

Some of the mats are not as durable as others. This comes at the cost of durability. As many hikers and campers have found out, it is important to be a little fussier when choosing your campsite at night. Those with a closed-cell foam mat can sleep wherever they want with little fear of the durability of their mat.

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Care Instructions

How to Look After a Lightweight Sleeping Pad

• Prevent dirt and body oils from coming in contact with the mattress by using sleep clothing such as long merino pants and a long merino top. Some people use a sleeping bag liner too.
• Do not allow Deet mosquito repellent, fuel from stoves, or embers from a campfire to get anywhere near a mattress. Wash them off immediately.
• If campfire embers contact your mattress, you might have an uncomfortable night’s sleep with the backpacking air mats deflating!
• A wet sleeping mattress can be packed up while wet for the short term. It is not always possible to keep the mattress dry. Be sure and air it out (with the valve open) as soon as possible.
• Ensure the campsite is free of thorns or sharp objects that might puncture the air mattress.

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How to clean and store a Sleeping Mat

• It is also a good idea to wash the mattress with a sponge and warm soapy water.
• Make sure the air valve is closed when washing.
• Unroll and unpack the mattress and let it air out for at least a day or two.
• Hang or store the mattress in a cool dry place, inside a wardrobe with clothing, or under a bed works well for me.

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How to repair a mattress in the field

• Finding the hole can be a problem. Rivers and lakes are the best places to blow up the mattress and try to find the hole.
• Clean the area around the hole. A small alcohol wipe found in first aid kits is good for cleaning the area. When it is clean and dry, use a small sticky contact patch such as a Tenacious Tape Patch.
• A small drop of liquid seam sealer can be used to repair very small leaks but not larger holes. Make sure it is a silicon-based seam sealer such as this Silicon Seam Sealer.

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Inflatable Mattress Warranty

Inflatable mattresses have a bad reputation for not only getting holes but delaminating from the inside. The internal baffles which are important for the integrity of the mattress often fail, causing a large bubble to appear.

I have had this happen to several of the well-known brands and each time the warranty of the companies has been rock solid.

These companies stand behind their products. Failure to do so would destroy the confidence in buying such a lightweight piece of gear. Hence the rise of the air mattress and the decline of the foam mattress.

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Price and Value

All the best air mats in this review are top quality and will last a very long time. Hundreds or even thousands of nights can be expected if you care for your mat. Therefore, they represent good value for money even when the initial outlay may seem a bit high. Around the $200 mark and lower is the price you will pay for the best.

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad – Overall

Overall the Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking in 2025 is the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT which just beat the previous best, the Nemo Tensor Trail Insulated.

The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is the best combination of comfort, insulation, quietness, price, and lightweight.

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad – Overall

The best ultralight sleeping pads are:

• Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad
• Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT
• Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

These pads are ultra lightweight and best for summer or warmer 3 season backpacking trips.

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Best Sleeping Pad for Winter Backpacking

For cold temperatures, the best lightweight sleeping pads are the

• Thermarest Neoair X-Therm NXT
• Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

These are suitable for winter camping or high-altitude trekking. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is more comfortable and quiet, and the Therm a Rest X-Therm NXT is lighter.

Are you heading to the Himalayan or Andes mountains for some high-altitude trekking? or want a mat to use in winter? These would be the ones to consider.

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Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers?

The Best Sleeping Pad for side sleepers are:

• Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light
• Sea to Summit Ether Light XT
• Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad
• Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

All are super comfortable thick mattresses that will ensure a better night’s sleep for side sleepers than some of the thinner sleeping pads in this review.

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Best Budget Sleeping Pad

The best budget sleeping pads is:

• Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

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Conclusion

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for 2025 are:

• Best Sleeping Pad Overall: Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT
• Best Ultralight Sleeping: Nemo Tensor Elite Ultralight Insulated Pad
• Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
• Best Winter Sleeping Mat: Thermarest Neoair X-Therm NXT
• Best Budget Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Z Lite Sol
• Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light
• Sea to Summit Ether Light XT

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